Hawaii searches for safe spots for people to see lava
HONOLULU — Stunning images of Hawaii’s erupting Kilauea volcano have captivated people around the world. But ironically it’s nearly impossible for residents and visitors on the ground to see the lava — a fact that’s squeezing the tourism-dependent local economy.
Authorities on the Big Island want to set up a lava viewing site to help, but they’re finding it difficult to do while keeping people safe.
The risks posed by the volcano came into sharp focus this week when lava flowing into the ocean triggered an explosion that sent a hot rock the size of a basketball crashing through the roof of a tour boat. One woman broke her leg, while nearly two dozen others suffered minor burns and scrapes.
Diane Ley, Hawaii County’s director of research and development, said she’s been working on setting up a lava viewing site for nearly two months, consulting with federal scientists and the county’s civil defence administrator. The injuries from the tour boat only validate the county’s caution, she said.